BEIJING/TAIPEI - China's Defence Ministry on Dec 13 broke its silence about days of military activities around Taiwan, saying that it was up to China to decide whether to hold drills, and that the military would "not be absent" in fighting against separatist forces.
Taiwan's Defence Ministry on Dec 9 went on the alert and activated an emergency response centre after reporting a large rise in Chinese military activity, both around the island and more broadly in the East China and South China seas.
China's military had made no announcement about any drills taking place. Beijing views democratically governed Taiwan as its territory - a claim rejected by the government in Taipei, which says only Taiwan's people can decide their future.
In a statement responding to a question on Taiwan President Lai Ching-te's recent visits to Hawaii and the US territory of Guam, and whether China has held drills, China's Defence Ministry offered neither confirmation nor denial, though it quoted from ancient Chinese military tactician Sun Tzu.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 14, 2024-Ausgabe von The Straits Times.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 14, 2024-Ausgabe von The Straits Times.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Jail for speeding driver who killed pedestrian in hit-and-run accident
After the speeding Mercedes-Benz he was driving crashed into a jaywalking pedestrian and flung him into the air, the director of an interior design firm fled the scene.
COE prices rise across the board, except for commercial vehicles
Certificate of entitlement (COE) prices rose across all categories except commercial vehicles at the final bidding exercise of 2024.
Some Income minority shareholders disappointed over failed Allianz deal
They had hoped to cash out, but will now have to turn to open market option
Filipina nearly executed in Indonesia arrives home after 14 years
Mary Jane Veloso, who received a last-minute reprieve from execution by firing squad for drug trafficking in Indonesia in 2015, arrived in Manila in the early hours of Dec 18 after years of negotiations between the two Southeast Asian countries.
SingPost increases price of postage-paid smartpac parcels
It will cost more to send festive gifts using smartpac envelopes and boxes this Christmas.
More staff, tech to handle year-end jump in e-shopping orders
E-commerce platforms also running campaigns to attract, retain customers
S. Korea's Yoon fails to turn up for questioning, adding to risk of arrest
South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol skipped questioning by a joint investigation team on Dec 18, according to local media reports, increasing the risk of his arrest.
Palestinian families sue US over support for Israeli military
Palestinian families sued the US State Department on Dec. 17 over Washington's support for Israel's military amid its war in Gaza that has killed tens of thousands and caused a humanitarian crisis, a court filing showed.
Gaza ceasefire, hostage deal could be days away
US, joined by Egypt and Qatar, intensifies push for deal before Biden leaves office
South Korea seeking to allay fears over ties with major partners
It is business as usual in South Korea, the President's impeachment on Dec 14 notwithstanding, says Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul.
